TheSamba.com :: View topic - Saving the Supers Never Ends! '75 Le Grande At Last!

Tue Jun 21, 2022 6:36 pm

Yep, i bit the bullet. Haven't even finished restoring my '74 but I couldn't pass up this puppy. Has a top-line front end kit including disc brakes and is fully drivable as-is. But of course there's work to be done - both C-pillars will require surgery and transplants but I no longer fear that as I used to, and I'll need to install flaps and a thermostat, install a Maxi-2 CB oil pump w/spin-on filter, and replace the fuel rail - using fuel injection rubber fuel line instead at the moment - and completely rebuild the sunroof mechanism. So, here she is!!

And Yep!! My first-ever LJet injected Bug!!!

Cannot wait!! Should be here on Friday. This will share daily driver duties w/my '73 until I finish the '74...at which point, either '73 or '74 will be offered up to a new Super lover.

Tue Jun 21, 2022 6:52 pm

Congratulations!

I’m trying to figure WTF is up with that front bumper. Something just looks really wrong. Arc? Proportions?

Tue Jun 21, 2022 7:03 pm

TDCTDI wrote: Congratulations!

I’m trying to figure WTF is up with that front bumper. Something just looks really wrong. Arc? Proportions?
thanks! The bumper's aftermarket. The factory bumper is in the passenger compartment and will be installed soon!!

Tue Jun 21, 2022 7:13 pm

Looks like fun! I will be following along!

Tue Jun 21, 2022 7:48 pm

Dig the wheels, I have a set to clean up and put on my 73 super. 8)

You'll like that EFI, it runs great when in good condition!

Tue Jun 21, 2022 10:54 pm

Looks like a good score, Victor!

Have fun with it.

Tim

Wed Jun 22, 2022 2:48 am

Very nice! I tried to buy a brand new 75 in the summer of 1975. Mr. Banker said there was no way that car was worth $2999.00, and I was declined.

I've always wanted an injected 75... :)

Have fun - Jim

Wed Jun 22, 2022 4:49 am

Thanks Gents i am definitely going to have fun with this puppy. First, I'll be digging up Tim's sunroof refurb thread. Then I have to start reading about the efi as that is completely alien to me. Like, do I leave the current efi fuel hose in place or immediately replace it with the efi rail I have in my parts stash? I have Henry elfrinks book about acvw efi buut i think it's specific to type 3s and 914s. So I'll be looking for tech manuals too.

Wed Jun 22, 2022 6:14 am

Nice Find!!!

Wed Jun 22, 2022 9:02 am

I think the front bumper looks off due to the missing black end caps. It is just enough to make it look different.
As 79FI owner, the FI system works great, just have to be aware vacuum leaks. It will run like garbage when a hose slips off.
Bonus is the Topline front parts. I also run those. Great pieces.
Have fun with the project.

Wed Jun 22, 2022 9:39 am

Woo Hoo

Another one saved

Congrats

Wed Jun 22, 2022 10:52 am

you are a glutton for punishment! LOL

I too haven't finished my current build but still cruise the classifieds for more VW crack.

"I've got a fever and the only prescription is more beetles!"

Wed Jun 22, 2022 1:45 pm

Weezle wrote: you are a glutton for punishment! LOL

I too haven't finished my current build but still cruise the classifieds for more VW crack.

"I've got a fever and the only prescription is more beetles!"

W/out a doubt, the pipe is still smoldering after this latest acquisition!! Fortunately I have these two items to help me along this latest trip!! Left is a troubleshooting manual for the Type 4 AFC but I think it's the same as the Bug's. The right is the AFC manual. I grabbed the PDF and sent it to print 2 copies at FedEx/Kinkos - one to use "on the job" the other to keep on the shelf. And I have a complete EFI set of components boxed in the basement to examine as I go thru the books, before the "laying of hands" on the real-mccoy.

Wed Jun 22, 2022 2:13 pm

I love the last year super beetles. If we're to believe that the beetle became the sum of all the progressive refinements, then this is the best of the best of all of the beetles. No matter how they changed it, it's still just a beetle.

Fri Jun 24, 2022 1:07 pm

It's here!! Definitely going to need cosmetic work, some metal repairs I mentioned earlier and rebuilding the sunroof mechanism. Wiper motor only works on high speed, may be a simple wiring fix. Dash wiring is a mess, that's going to take time to sort. Will need carpeting eventually, and a headliner. I can tell the crankshaft seal is likely leaking, or possibly the transmission seal, it's a greasy mess, and a rear engine seal. Shifts fine thru all gears, stops, horn mostly works, will need rear tail light lenses as these are completely sun baked. Starts right up and idles smoothly, though doesn't have as much pull as my '73. Here are a few random pics, will post video of it running later.

No EGR valve I noticed. Case may not be originally FI as it has a block off plate where the mechanical fuel pump would go, that was unexpected. Is there any way to tell from the pics if this is a '75 FI setup or 76+?

Fri Jun 24, 2022 1:51 pm

I like the tennis ball! Does it leak?

Fri Jun 24, 2022 2:09 pm

Here's a video of it running. You EFI guys, how does it sound? I think I hear an exhaust leak. Other than that, seems pretty smooth. (Note to Admin- for some reason the youtube tags are not preloading the video so I removed them from the link.)

https://youtube.com/shorts/Gcq-BAoBX6M?feature=share

Fri Jun 24, 2022 2:13 pm

radstude wrote: I like the tennis ball! Does it leak?
Seller says "no" of course - [EDIT] My guess is it *definitely* leaks as it is NOT even attached - the rails and new hardware and cable are in a box that came w/the car, a sunroof rebuild kit from MAMotorworks. But the channels are probably clear because I don't see any signs of water damage on the headliner...then again, I don't know if it even ever rains in Colorado Springs where the car came from!

Fri Jun 24, 2022 4:37 pm

It rains here but usually only outside. ;-)

Max

Fri Jun 24, 2022 4:55 pm

Awesome!!!! I sure like my La Grande :)

I notice from your air filter housing box that it appears to have that diaphragm for the oil breather hose intact. That's rare!! Take photos of that if you don't mind! :-)